Beloved musician and artist Jacques Brel passed away at the age of 49 on October 9, 1978. Born in Brussels, Belgium on April 8, 1929, Brel was an accomplished singer, songwriter, actor, director, and poet. He was renowned for his baritone voice, powerful stage presence, and masterful storytelling with his signature cabaret-style compositions. Early in his career, Brel launched to international fame with a number of albums and tracks released between 1953 and 1968. He infused pop music with an often controversial edge, writing about politics, betrayal, poverty, companionship, and death without fear. His first hit song, "Quand on n'a que l'amour" (“When All One Has Is Love”) captured the hearts of France and beyond in 1957 and became a staple of later French romantics. Brel also had a successful theatrical career, during which he wrote, produced, and starred in three of his own full-length plays between 1960 and 1971. He is remembered by legions of devoted fans that continue to revere him and his works to this day. May he rest in peace.